Irish Sports Exhibition Comes To New Jersey

WEST ORANGE, N.J.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--

WHO: The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, Essex Division, West Orange, N.J.

Ancient Order of the Hibernians, Michael L. Delahunty, Div. 9, Montclair, N.J.

WHAT: 8th Annual Irish Sports Exhibition

WHEN: Sunday, June 14, 2009

Game Time: 1 p.m. ET (Rain or Shine)

Rockland GAA Under Age Match at 1 p.m. ET

Junior Hurling Challenge – Battle of Philadelphia at 2 p.m. ET

Opening Ceremony 3:15 p.m., Men's Hurling at 3:30 p.m. ET

New Jersey Kilkenny vs. Philadelphia

WHERE: The Shillelagh Club, 648 Prospect Ave., West Orange, N.J.

WHY: To promote and introduce the New York metropolitan area to sports of Ireland heritage.

A family day filled with exciting events, sports, vendors, music and food. This promises to be an enjoyable day for all the family. Entertainment will be provided by the Eamonn Ryan Show Band and the Shillelagh Pipe & Drums of Essex County. Bagpipes and other Irish Music to be featured.

Hurling Facts

· Hurling is the oldest and fastest field game in Europe

· Hurling is played on grass field with goals at either end

· Hurling is contested by two teams of 15 players per team

· Hurling equipment consists of a stick, known as a `hurley,' and a small ball called a sliotar.

· A hurling game consists of two halves, 30-35 minutes each (depending on the competition) with a 10-minute halftime period.

· The object of hurling is to score as often as possible into the opposing team’s goal.

· A hurling goal is scored when the sliotar is played over the goal line, between and posts UNDER the crossbar. A goal is worth three points and is signaled by an umpire raising a green flag.

· A hurling point is scored when the sliotar is played over the goal line, between the posts but OVER the crossbar and is signaled by an umpire raising a white flag.

A Hurling Game

· At game start the referee throws the sliotar into the center of the field where four midfield players try to get the ball first (similar to a face-off in ice hockey). The aim of the players is then to score on their opponents by carrying or passing the sliotar down field and striking at the goal.

· The sliotar is usually carried balanced on the hurley when running and can also be bounced on the hurley – this is called soloing. It can be taken into the hand but can only be carried by players for a maximum of four consecutive steps, then the player must release the ball by shooting or passing the ball. The player can take the ball from the hurley into his/her hand only twice or if the player had previously caught the ball he/she can only take it into heir hand once.

· Passing the ball is done by hitting with the hurley, striking the ball with the hand or kicking the ball.

· The ball may be caught from the air or lifted from the ground. It can not be taken from the ground using the hand but must be lifted using the hurley stick.

· Players may tackle each other to get the ball. Usually this will involve a shoulder charge on the player in possession of the ball or if you are competing against another player chasing a ball. Tackles can be vigorous as hurling is a very physical game, however challenges deemed as dangerous will be punished.

· Some players choose to wear a helmet during a game, which is recommended by not mandatory.